Here's the person Lambert is absolutely dreading to see, given everything, but he's not about to avoid Childermass. He'd been bracing himself for anger and unhappiness, so when he's met with confusion? That takes some of the wind out of his sails and he gawks at the magician for a moment, speechless.

No, he can't be--

"What did they do to you?" he blurts, reaching out to try and grab Childermass by the shoulders, going pale.